the development of russian military policy and finland

30 · The Development of Russian Military Policy and Finland
Russia’s experiences of war, he thinks it is time to assess the merits of the decisive
importance not only of the initial period of war, but above all the first
strategic strike. “More aggressive actions may be needed and pre-emptive actions
as well, if necessary.” 104
The Commander of Russia’s Ground Forces Col. Gen. Vladimir Chirkin
stated in July 2012 that Russia will form 26 additional brigades by 2020, including
10 reconnaissance brigades, 14 army aviation and two air defence brigades.
105
On the other hand, large reserves are needed in the direction of China. President
Medvedev announced in April of 2011, that Russia has to retain general
conscription for 10–15 years. 106 Russia is also preparing for the most extreme
alternative, a large-scale war. 107
Minister of Defence Anatoly Serdyukov repeated in October 2012, that Russia
will not do away with the draft any time soon. “An entirely professional army
is optimal in my view,” he said. “But we cannot afford it for the foreseeable
future,” adding that for now the armed forces will include a mix of professionals
serving under enlistment contracts and draftees. 108 Mr. Serdyukov’s
dismissal in November 2012 supports the view that powerful circles in Russia
that have not been happy with the concept of a small “New Look” Army,
succeeded to limit it. Mr. Serdyukov’s successor, Army General Sergei Shoigu
has clearly changed direction. 109 The end result of the Russian defence reform
seems to be a mix of modern and more traditional armed forces, with a sufficiently
large trained reserve.
The recruiting of contract soldiers is one of the central factors in the process
of improving capability, but at present it has not produced the desired result.
The lack of trained non-commissioned officers is a problem. Therefore readiness
and combat capability have not yet risen to the planned high level. 110
General Makarov, however, reported that all units and formations in the category
of permanent readiness have been reinforced to full combat strength.
104 McDermott, 2011, pp. 67-68. See also Miranovitsh, 2009.
105 RIA Novosti, 16 July 2012, “Russian Military to Form 26 New Brigades by 2020”
[http://en.rian.ru/mlitary_news/20120716/174634711.html].
106 RIA Novosti, 4 April 2011, “Russia to Continue Military Conscription for 10–15 Years –
Medvedev” [http://en.rian.ru/mlitary_news/20110404/163367728.html].
107 Daily Mail, 18 November 2011, “Nuclear War Could Erupt along Russia’s Border with
Europe, Warns Kremlin Commander” [http://www.dailymail. co.uk/news/article-
2062865/Nikolai-Makarov-Nuclear-war-erupt-Russias-borders-Europe.html].
108
RIA Novosti, 7 October 2012, “Russian Military Pay Rises, but Draft to Remain – Chief”
[http://en.rian.ru/mlitary_news/20121007/176467212.html]. For a more detailed analysis,
see McDermott, 2012a.
109 McDermott, 2013.
110 McDermott, 2011. See also, Felgenhauer, 2011.